Laois keep Wexford at bay to go joint-top

Laois have maintained their unbeaten start to Division 4 thanks to a five-point win over Wexford in O'Moore Park this afternoon.

Evan O'Carroll, Paul Kingston and Mark Barry accounted for 1-16 of their overall tally as they built on last week's away win over Sligo to go joint top of the table alongside Leitrim.

Wexford began with a point from midfielder Niall Hughes in the opening minute but the home side soon got on top.

Evan O'Carroll levelled it after a great ball from James Finn and then gave Laois the lead with a goal after a similar pass from Kieran Lillis.

Laois were rampant now as Mark Barry and Paul Kingston slotted a mix of frees and points from play.

Wexford replied through Sean Nolan but further Laois points from O'Carroll and Kingston left it 1-6 to 0-2 at the midpoint of the half.

But the visitors did have the wind and they made better use of it for the remainder of the half to get back level by the break.

Kevin O'Grady pointed and then Mark Rossiter found his range of frees. And then they struck for a goal in the 26th minute.

Niall Malone floated a ball in where Conor Kinsella gathered it on the edge of the square and fired past Scott Osborne.

Kieran Lillis ended Laois' 12 minute wait for a score with a point but Rossiter landed a free and a 45 to leave it 1-7 apiece at half time.

Laois began the second half really well with two super points from Evan O'Carroll and a first score from Eoin Lowry.

But Wexford refused to go away as Mark Rossiter added two more frees to bring them back into the game.

Rossiter then landed a 45 but two wonderful Paul Kingston points and a free from Mark Barry left it 1-13 to 1-10 after 50 minutes.

Laois then kicked three wides in a row before Rossiter kicked two frees to make it a one point